Kits and methods for improving batting performance

ABSTRACT

Described and claimed are methods and kits for improving batting performance in bat-requiring sports. The system described improves one or more of a batsperson&#39;s strength, conditioning, and hand-eye coordination.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to Kreusser et al., U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/464,915, filed Apr. 23, 2003, which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates to the field of baseball and related batting sports, and improving one or more of a batsperson's strength, conditioning, and hand-eye coordination.

[0003] The invention builds on the concept of the wildly successful Hit-A-Way™ device described and claimed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,296,582 and 6,514,161, each of which patents is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety including all drawings. The Hit-A-Way™ device enables a user to practice repetitively striking a practice ball locatable on a tether to one of a plurality of vertically preset locations resulting in a realistic resistance and flight of a struck ball and a quick controlled return of the object to the same location for re-striking. The distance of the practice ball from the user and the ground is adjustable by adaptation of the pole structure used to mount the ball tether or by adjustment of the mounting of the ball on the tether or the tether length.

[0004] The present invention combines the merits of the Hit-A-Away™ system with another component that promises to enhance the Hit-A-Way™ 's utility and commercial success, as well as the batting prowess of those using it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The Hit-A-Way™ device, because it functions with a maximum controlled radius or distance from the post, is safe to the batter who is typically positioned at a radius or distance further than that maximum. The invention takes advantage of this and features methods and kits using/having a Hit-A-Way™ or similar device and a weighted component for attachment to the bat used. The weighted component may be any shape, but is typically annular and of a durable material that can withstand the forceful hitting with a bat. Weighted components, although traditionally used preceding live hitting, traditionally have not been used in conjunction with the direct contact of a ball because the weighted component, especially if external, would result in unpredictable deflections endangering both the batter and bystanders.

[0006] The Hit-A-Way™ device design overcomes such danger, conveniently allowing for integration of durable weighted bat components into the Hit-A-Way™ system. The applicant has found that the integration of such a component surprisingly and dramatically improves not only the strength and conditioning of the user, but also that user's prowess and satisfaction with the Hit-A-Way™ system. The weighted component can be used with the Hit-A-Way™ system in multiple repetitions, then removed, and the system then used without it.

[0007] In one aspect, the invention features a kit for improving batting performance, comprising:

[0008] a ball hitting practice device for use in combination with a substantially upright member comprising a ball hitting practice device. The device includes a ball slideably mounted upon a tether, which has an attachment end and a distal end. The attachment end has a first tether end and a second tether end for engaging the substantially upright member. There is also a positioner mounted upon the tether proximate to the distal end of the tether. This provides a stop for said slidably mounted ball upon said tether, and also permits the determining of targeting position for the ball. When the ball is struck by a user it wraps around substantially upright member and returns in the opposite direction upon complete winding, and allowing for a new round of hitting. The kit further comprises a weighted component for attachment to and weighting of a bat such that when the weighted bat is used in conjunction with the ball hitting device, the user receives conditioning and training for later play without the weighted component. The kit can optionally be marketed with a bat that can receive or be adapted to receive the weighted component. In broader embodiments, the kits of the invention feature simply a tethered ball for connection to a post and a weighted component for use with a bat. Variations on this aspect are found in the claims, below.

[0009] The invention also features conditioning and training methods that make use of such components.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ball is a baseball. In other embodiments, it is a softball. In still other embodiments, each type of ball is supplied in the kit.

[0011] In some embodiments, there are multiple weighted components, each of which may be of the same size and weight, or else of different size and/or weight. Regardless, such components are adapted to conveniently engage and disengage from standard bats.

[0012] In another embodiment, the kit further contains written and/or video instructions for use.

[0013] In yet a further embodiment, the kit also comes with a carrying bag or device adapted or designed to carry one or more of said kit components. The device can be hard, e.g., made of wood or plastic, or else soft, e.g., made of cloth.

[0014] In other aspects, the invention makes use of different brands of devices and different device designs. For example, the weighted components of the invention can also be used in conjunction with devices described in Further embodiments will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art from the drawings, detailed specification, and claims to follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0015]FIG. 1 shows (A) a top view of a “donut” and (B) the donut in combination with a bat.

[0016]FIG. 2 shows the combination of a “donuted” bat and a Hit-A-Way™ device embodiment (the latter of which is borrowed from FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,296,582 and 6,514,161).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] See the detailed description in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,296,582 and 6,514,161, herein incorporated by reference. In addition to the description reported there, the invention contemplates using a removable weighted component in conjunction with a bat.

[0018] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment incorporates what is commonly known as a donut 80, having an outside portion 80 a and an inside recess portion 80 b to engage the periphery of a bat 30. The donut is typically annular in dimension and made out of a strong durable metal, plastic or rubber weighing typically between 6 and 20 troy ounces. The inside recess portion 80 b should be of a greater radius than the handle portion 30 a of the bat 30, but of a smaller radius than at least a portion of the contact portion 30 b, such that the weighted component 80 can be slid over the handle 30 a and engage the bat.

[0019] It will be understood, however, that the weighted components of the invention are not limited to the particular weights and configurations described above, and that a myriad of alternatives exist and will suffice, e.g., as described in published U.S. Patent Applications 20020165070 (“Sports training and conditioning device”), 20020128085 (“Swing weight”), 20020082126 (“Training sports club and method”), and 20010034276 (“Speed and power bat”), the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties including all drawings. For example, the bat may also be weighted using with a lead weighted Velco® wrap as is commonly employed fro wrapping around ankles and wrist when exercising. In another embodiment, the may contain an insert that makes it heavier. Alternatively, the end of the contact portion of the bat could be configured to accept a snap-in weight or screw-in weight component that could readily be removed.

[0020] The foregoing discussion is not intended to be limiting of the invention and is merely representative of various aspects and embodiments. All documents cited are indicative of the levels of skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The disclosure of each document cited is incorporated by reference herein to the same extent as if each had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually.

[0021] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The methods and kits described herein illustrate preferred embodiments, are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Certain modifications and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention, as defined by the scope of the claims.

[0022] It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Thus, such additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention and the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for improving batting performance, comprising: a ball hitting practice device for use in combination with a substantially upright member comprising a ball, said ball slidably mounted upon a tether said tether having an attachment end and having a distal end; said attachment end having a first tether end and a second tether end; means of attachment of said first tether end to a first position on said upright member; means of attachment of said second tether end to a second position on said upright member; a ball positioner mounted upon said tether proximate to said distal end of said tether; said ball positioner providing a stop for said slidably mounted ball upon said tether, thereby determining a target position for said ball; and whereby said practice ball in said target position when struck by a user will slide on said tether and wrap around said between said first position and said second position, and thereafter return to said target position; said kit further comprising a weighted component for attachment to and weighting of a bat such that when said weighted bat is used in conjunction with said ball hitting device, said user receives conditioning and training for later play without said weighted component; and said kit optionally further comprising a bat, optionally further comprising one or more balls of the same or different size for fastening to and use with said device, optionally further comprising one or more additional weighted components of the same or different weight or size, optionally further comprising instructions for use, and optionally further comprising a carrying case.
 2. A kit for improving batting performance, comprising a ball hitting practice device for use in combination with a substantially upright member, said device comprising: a ball, said ball slidably engaged with a tether, said tether having an attachment end and having a distal end; said attachment end having a first tether end and a second tether end; means of attachment of said first tether end to a first position on said upright member; means of attachment of said second tether end to a second position on said upright member; said ball slidably positionable to a target position on said tether; means to maintain said ball in said target position on said tether; and whereby said practice ball in said target position when struck by a user will wrap around said upright member between said first position and said second position, and thereafter unwind and return to said target position; and said kit further comprising a weighted component for attachment to and weighting of a bat such that when said weighted bat is used in conjunction with said ball hitting device, said user receives conditioning and training for later play without said weighted component; and said kit optionally further comprising a bat, optionally further comprising one or more balls of the same or different size for fastening to and use with said device, optionally further comprising one or more additional weighted components of the same or different weight or size, optionally further comprising instructions for use, and optionally further comprising a carrying case.
 3. A kit for improving batting performance, comprising a ball hitting practice device for use in combination with as substantially upright member, said device comprising: a ball, said ball slidably mounted upon a tether, said tether having an attachment end and having a distal end; a tether support means, said tether support means mountable at a base end on a mounting surface; means of attachment of said attachment of said tether to said tether support means whereby said tether is positioned substantially normal to said mounting surface when attached to said tether support means; a ball positioner mounted upon said tether proximate to said distal end of said tether; said ball positioner providing a stop for said slidably mounted ball thereby determining a target position for said ball when said ball slides to a position adjacent to said ball positioner; whereby said practice ball in said target position when struck by a user will slide on said tether and wrap around said tether support means and thereafter return to said target position; said kit further comprising a weighted component for attachment to and weighting of a bat such that when said weighted bat is used in conjunction with said ball hitting device, said user receives conditioning and training for later play without said weighted component; and said kit optionally further comprising a bat, optionally further comprising one or more balls of the same or different size for fastening to and use with said device, optionally further comprising one or more additional weighted components of the same or different weight or size, optionally further comprising instructions for use, and optionally further comprising a carrying case.
 4. The kit of any of claims 1-3 having video instructions.
 5. The kit of any of claims 1-3 having a carrying case made of a material selected from the group consisting of cloth and plastic.
 6. A method for improving batting performance, said method comprising using a Hit-A-Way™ or similar device in combination with a weighted bat.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said bat is weighted with an external removable weight.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein said bat is weighted with an internal removable weight. 